The Chaco War was fought from 1932 to 1935 between Bolivia and Paraguay, over the control of the northern part of the Gran Chaco region of South America, which was thought to be rich in oil. The war is also referred to as La Guerra de la Sed in literary circles since it was fought in the semi-arid Chaco. The bloodiest interstate military conflict fought in South America in the 20th century, it was fought between two of its poorest countries, both of which had lost territory to neighbours in 19th-century wars.
Gaz-AA trucks, a Soviet version of the Ford Model AA used by both armies to resupply their troops
One of the key Paraguayan assets was the gunboat Humaitá, shown here shortly after being launched in Italy, without its main armament.
Sketch showing the Paraguayan counterattack on Pitiantutá Lake
Vickers 6-ton similar to those deployed by the Bolivian army in the Chaco War
Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay, is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. It has a population of around 6.1 million, nearly 2.3 million of whom live in the capital and largest city of Asunción, and its surrounding metro area.
José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, Paraguay's first dictator
Francisco Solano López
The Battle of Tuyutí, May 1866
Gran Chaco was the site of the Chaco War (1932–35), in which Bolivia lost most of the disputed territory to Paraguay
